Correlation between hemoglobin level and quality of life in male patients with systolic heart failure

Bakground and In heart failure patients health related quality of life is significantly affected. Anemia is the prevalent comorbidity in heart failure patients. The aim of the present study was to determine the correlation between hemoglobin level and quality of life in males with systolic heart failure. This is a descriptive correlational study conducted on 100 males with systolic heart failure through 2010. Sampling method was convenience sampling. Data were collected through interview. The instruments used included demographic data form and MLHFQ (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire). Hemoglobin level and echocardiography data were reviewed from medical records. Data were analyzed by SPSS 18 software and descriptive statistical methods such as T test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient were used. The findings indicated that the mean of hemoglobin level was 14.32 ± 1.86 and 17% of male heart failure patients had anemia. Mean score of quality of life was 41.61 ± 21.30 and 51% of male heart failure patients had poor quality of life. There was a significant positive correlation between the hemoglobin level and physical (p< 0.001), mental, emotional (p < 0.001), social and economic (p= 0.002) dimensions and the total score of quality of life (p< 0.001). This study indicates that the decrease of hemoglobin level negatively impact on life quality of male systolic heart failure patients. Screening, control and management of anemia in heart failure patients may help improve quality of life.